Lucky or cursed? Almost half of Jiri Lehecka's opponents in 2025 have retired due to injury

Tennis star Jiri Lehecka may be feeling more fresh than his counterparts during matches this early in the season, as the Czech player has been fortunate enough to have several of his opponents retire mid-match.

The former World No.23 has faced seven opponents during the 2025 season. However, three of his seven opponents have retired due to physical issues, allowing Lehecka to have an easier progression to subsequent rounds.

A double retirement saw Lehecka claim the Brisbane title

During the Brisbane International two weeks ago, Lehecka battled his way to the semifinal, scoring an upset over third seed Holger Rune in the first round. Facing former World No.3 Grigor Dimitrov in the final four, Lehecka advanced to the final after his Bulgarian opponent was forced to retire in the second set due to an injury.

Lehecka would then face the returning Reilly Opelka in the final. However, the towering American was also forced to throw in the towel after sustaining an injury early in the first set, handing his Czech opponent the title.

The top-ranked Czech player's fortune would extend into the Australian Open. After defeating hometown favorite Li Tu in the first round, Lehecka would face Hugo Gaston in the second round. However, the Frenchman would be forced to retire in the second set, citing an injury. Only time will tell if the 24th seed's fortune will continue, as he is set to face another Frenchman, Benjamin Bonzi, in the third round.

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